Eunice, Louisiana - In the early hours of January 19, 2024, just after 1:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I received a report of a single vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 3116 near Donna Lane in Eunice, Louisiana. The unfortunate incident resulted in the death of John C. Ledoux Jr., a 75-year-old resident of Eunice.

Preliminary findings from the State Police investigation showed that Ledoux was driving his 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander southward on LA 3116 when the crash happened. Under circumstances that are still being looked into, Ledoux's vehicle veered off the road to its left side and subsequently hit a culvert after falling into a ditch. Ledoux, who wasn't wearing his seatbelt at the time, sustained deadly injuries from the crash and was declared dead at the site by officials from Acadia Parish Coroner's Office.

Whether impairment played a role in this is yet to be determined; therefore, toxicology samples were taken for further examination. The investigation is ongoing.

Louisiana State Troopers would like to take this moment to remind all drivers about the importance of making wise choices while behind the wheel. They emphasize the simple yet highly effective way to safeguard oneself against injuries or death during a crash, which is by always wearing one's seatbelt - and ensuring all passengers do so as well - before starting the vehicle.

So far in 2024, Troop I has investigated one fatal crash which resulted in one fatality.